An exciting new anti-obesity and diabetes program

(translated:)“My health, my life, in Lo Espejo” that FEDES is

carrying out with Abbott Laboratories and the Health

Department of Lo Espejo has begun. It was originally a

program used by companies to help their employees improve

their health. Abbott Laboratories has chosen to participate in

the Pilot Project by sponsoring this program for the first 100

participants from this marginalized community as part of its

social responsibility program. The vision is to expand to 1000,

then 5000, then up to 20,000 as time goes on.

Abbott Laboratories’ Director of Commercial and Government

Affairs Nestor Ortiz, who has been running this program

internationally for Abbott’s staff, flew in from Puerto Rico to

speak at the opening ceremony. Throughout a very

entertaining discourse which was punctuated with laughter, he

told the story of what motivated him to change his health

habits, explained the way the program would help people to

know their risk factors and health indicators, and challenged

everyone present to take control of their lives and their health

through changing their diet and exercise habits and lifestyles.

The kickoff was attended by the Mayor and several city

councilmen, all of whom enrolled in the program, Lo Espejo’s

directors of health, the directors of Abbott Laboratories Chile,

the chairmen of many local neighborhood committees, etc.

According to Chilean government statistics, over 60% of Chileans are overweight and 25%

are obese. 90% have a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of sufficient exercise and education on healthy

diet, bad food habits or lack of skills to make healthy food in appetizing ways contribute to the

problem, as does the fact that many healthy foods are much more expensive than junk food.

Among a poor population this can have devastating consequences, affecting overall health and

bringing on diabetes and its subsequent complications of blindness, kidney failure, amputation of

limbs, etc, since the poor are far less likely to receive adequate treatment. With governments and

private citizens already feeling the burgeoning financial and social costs of these often avoidable

diseases, the time to act, to prevent, is now.

News Letter

October 2011

Anti - Diabetes and Obesity Program

The equipment that was used to take people’s health indicators, such as

scales, blood pressure machines, blood testing kits, etc, were all donated

by Direct Relief International over the last year. It was great to see them

being used in such a new, complete program that could help save

thousands of lives through prevention.

Delicious refreshments consisting of all whole wheat,

natural, nutritious foods and drinks were served while

people enrolled. The examples and ideas for healthy

snacks and entertaining options were particularly

opportune and a big hit.

Participants filled out forms of their basic health history and habits, had

their height, weight, waists, and blood pressures taken, as well as a photo

to compare before/after the program. These participants are particularly

key people because most of them are already leaders in their communities

in these marginalized areas, and have the ability to help the program

expand and keep rolling in the long term.

At the third event all those enrolled had blood tests

taken to determine their blood glucose, cholesterol levels, etc.

Phase Two

Abbott Laboratories covered all the costs of the blood

tests, information pamphlets, food, banners, and signs.

The municipality hosted the event and health workers

from Lo Espejo’s local clinics took the samples and

processed them. The dedication, efficiency and team-

working spirit shown by the entire Lo Espejo health

department, from Director Dr. Alfred Otarola, down to

each nurse and assistant has made the whole program

run smoothly. The process was also speeded up

considerably due to Direct Relief’s donations of medical

supplies over the last year. The results were all entered

into the “Know Your Number” website. This is a

specially designed website that analyzes a person’s

“numbers”, or health indicators and then generates a

personalized health risk assessment for each

participant. The report explains what each person’s risk

of developing certain preventable diseases, such as

diabetes, heart attack, stroke, etc, would be in the next

five years if they continued their current life styles, and

helps educate them on what steps they can take to

lower those risks.

Phase 3

“What do my numbers have to tell me?” was the question

on everyone’s mind at the third event. After speakers

from Abbott Chile General Manager James Tait and

Medical Director Dr. Amy Chong explained the charts and

the impact that each indicator would have on an

individual’s health, the participants each opened their

personalized health risk assessment and explanation

letter. Doctors and nurses from Lo Espejo’s health system

were present to answer any questions that people had

and encourage them in the areas that they needed to

change. The people who’s health indicators were in

danger zones had appointments made with local doctors

right away to discuss the steps they needed to take to

improve their health and evaluate if any medical

intervention was necessary. Future developments under

this program include outfitting public parks with exercise

both sponsored by Abbott, a community “walk-a-thon”.

There’s more on the way, so stay tuned! equipment, the

YMCA bringing physical trainers to teach good form in

exercising, a community “walk-a-thon”, and much more,

so stay tuned!